Colombia, a Gateway to South America

Itinerary

Show all details »    Hide all details »

• Day 1 - Arrival in Bogota

  Welcome to Colombia! Arrival in Bogota Airport and transfer to your hotel
  More details »

  Arrival at El Dorado International Airport. A guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.

• Day 2 - Bogota

  Full Day Tour of Bogota, including the Gold Museum and the underground Cathedral at the Salt Mine (b,l)
  More details »

  Breakfast and transfer to the colonial section of La Candelaria and short stops for photographs at Plaza de Bolivar, the main square of Bogota. Surrounding the square, you will find the Cathedral, the Palace of Congress, the Palacio Cardenalicio (the Cardinal’s Palace), the colonial church of El Sagrario, the House of Independence, the Palace of Justice and City Hall. The next stop is the famous Gold Museum, repository of the world’s greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts. Lastly, a visit to the FERNANDO BOTERO Museum, which houses many of the paintings and sculptures of this famous contemporary Colombian artist. Following the museum visit, a sightseeing drive through the northern residential area of the city and, across a fertile plateau, to the town of Cajicá, with a short photo-op at the main square. After lunch on to the wondrous underground cathedral carved in a salt mine near the town of Zipaquirá. Return to Bogota.(b,l)

  NOTE: The Gold Museum closes Mondays and the Botero Museum Tuesdays.

• Day 3 - Bogota / Cartagena

  Transfer to the airport and flight to Bogota. Afternoon, city tour of Cartagena. (b)
  More details »

  Morning: Early breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Cartagena; your guide will be there to meet you and to take you to your hotel.
  Afternoon: Drive from the hotel to the Convent of La Popa, built in the early 17th century on La Popa Hill, from which you can take in a beautiful view of the city and the bay. Continuation of the tour with a stopover at San Felipe Fortress, erected in the 17th century to protect the city. After a close look at the construction technique, a jaunt to the walled colonial city and time off at the handicraft stores of Las Bovedas. From there a walk along the quaint streets for a close-up view of the old homes and beautiful balconies, and a visit to the Convent of San Pedro Claver. After the convent, return to the hotel for the night. (b)

• Day 4 - Cartagena / Rosario Islands / Cartagena

  Today, depart Cartagena by boat for a full day of Tropical Adventure and relaxation at the Rosario Islands. (b,l)
  More details »

  Breakfast and morning transfer to the tourist pier and departure by motorboat to the beautiful islands of El Rosario, located 1 1/2 hrs south of the Bay of Cartagena. These islands, home to a very important complex of coral banks populated by a great variety of reef fauna, have been declared a National Natural Park. Their white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters complement the impressive scenery. Then, off to swim, snorkel, or sack out on a hammock. After lunch, return to Cartagena. (b,l)

• Day 5 - Cartagena / Santa Marta

  Depart Cartagena by Private Car to Santa Marta, afternoon at leisure. (b)
  More details »

  Breakfast and a 3-4 – hour transfer to Santa Marta, with a view of El Totumo Volcano along the way. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Free afternoon and overnight. (b)

• Day 6 - Santa Marta / Tayrona National Park / Santa Marta

  Discover the unparalleled beauty and the white sand beaches of the Tayrona National Park (b,l)
  More details »

  Breakfast and departure by private transportation from the hotel for a 45-minute drive along the Pan-American Highway to the Bay of Cañaverales, in Tayrona National Natural Park. From here, a one-hour trek through jungles and beaches to Arrecifes, a place of extraordinary beauty, white sand and perfect waves for a refreshing swim. Lunch included and return to Santa Marta in the afternoon. (b,l)

• Day 7 - Santa Marta / Bogota or Cartagena / Depart Colombia

  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogota and depart Colombia (B)
  More details »

  Breakfast and, later in the day, transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination. (b)